Chat with Andrea Adelson

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, Big East blogger Andrea Adelson stops by to chat some football.

Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.

Andrea Adelson

(4:00 PM)

Gary (Stevensville, MI)

Does keeping Pitt and 'Cuse in the conference for 2 years help with the formula for BCS-Q status?

Andrea Adelson

(4:02 PM)

If I understand it correctly, Pitt and Syracuse would count because they would be members of the BE through 2014. But I would have to check with Brad Edwards on that.

johnt3317 (NYC)

Andrea - Heard you on the Marinatto press conference this week, so I know you heard when Big John stated firmly that he is holding both Pitt and Syracuse to the 27 months. Yet, last night, Boeheim and Jamie Dixon were on Coach K's show on SiriusXM, and they both stated that they were looking forward to playing in the ACC in 2012. How to you see this playing out next year?

Andrea Adelson

(4:03 PM)

Marinatto has reiterated many times he is not going to let them out early so if Boeheim and Dixon have any inside information, I would love to know where they are getting it.

Jay (Morgantown)

If Louisville and WVU both leave for the B12, do you think that officially puts the stake in the BE as far as football ( considering those two teams are the only current members with BCS bowl wins )? Would it not be prudent of Marinatto to put a rush on getting other teams in to avoid this?

Andrea Adelson

(4:03 PM)

He can put a rush on getting the new teams all he wants but WVU and Louisville could still leave for the Big 12. I am not sure they would stay even with the new configured Big East.

Doug (Cincinnati)

How is Louisville favored by 2-points over Rutgers? I realize they are playing at home, but... Have the odds-makers seen their offense?

Andrea Adelson

(4:04 PM)

When I saw Louisville was favored, I was quite frankly, stunned. Home field?

Brian (Bridgewater, NJ)

How much do you think the current play of the Scarlet Knights will affect their chances of finding a home in the Big 10 or ACC? Do you think wins over Louisville and dare I say, West Virginia, catapult them into great position to win the Big East? Very curious to hear how you feel the rest of their season will pan out....

Andrea Adelson

(4:06 PM)

I don't think what Rutgers does this year has any bearing on whether they get an invite to another conference. This is not predicated on one season. I do think wins over those 2 teams gives RU a big edge, but Cincy also is undefeated, and in the BE nothing is a given because upsets happen when you least expect them.

Rocky The Bull (USF Campus)

It seems year in and year out USF starts the season strong, beats a national ranked team. Then October comes and the wheels fall off the wagon. What can USF do to end this trend? Also, where do you see them ending up if the Big East Football Conference collapse?

Andrea Adelson

(4:08 PM)

I am sure Skip Holtz would love the answer himself. I wonder whether some of the cupcake opponents USF plays in September gives the team a false sense of where they stand? That about is the one thing I can put my finger on. ND obviously does not fall into that category, but it's not as if USF is challenged during nonconference most years.

George (New Jersey)

What do you think of the job Cignetti is doing for Rutgers? Looks like Schiano has completely turned the O over to Cignetti. When the RU offense goes back on the field for a new series, Schiano can be seen huddling with the defense, preparing for their next series.

Andrea Adelson

(4:10 PM)

Yup Cignetti is firmly in charge of the offense, and that is the way Schiano wanted it. Frees him up to call the plays and coach the defense. Khaseem Greene says that has been a huge help, especially during games because Schiano is right there communicating with all of them. I think Cignetti is doing fine. There obviously are still some ?s on the OL and at running back, but I am sure RU will take a 5-record 1 with a true freshman QB and no real run game. What is good is there is an offensive plan and not a mish-mash like last year.

Steve (Eugene, OR)

Will any teams join the Big East prior to a Missouri announcement?

Andrea Adelson

(4:11 PM)

John Marinatto says they are not waiting on Mizzou, but if I am Boise State, for example, I want to see how everything plays out. What is the rush for the new teams to join?

Matt (Oklahoma City)

Why do you think Army doesn't want to join? One would think with Navy and Air Force it would be a perfect fit for them.

Andrea Adelson

(4:12 PM)

Army was in CUSA and it was an absolute disaster. Set the program years because it simply could not compete. And that was CUSA. The Big East competition would be much stronger. So I think there is the big fear for the future of the program if it joined.

Ben (WV)

Why do I get the feeling that Big East is dragging there feet on the conference realignment? I don't think they have formally invited anyone yet. Are they waiting for the Mizzou/SEC thing to play out?

Andrea Adelson

(4:13 PM)

They went from aggressively pursuing teams to wanting to make sure they make the right decision for the future of the conference. I think there is a bit of the unknown on both sides. The BE still does not know who is staying, raised exit fees or not. And the new schools have no idea what they would be signing up for.

Jay (Rutgers)

Line started in favor of Rutgers, then moved during the week, usually a sign of people betting on UL. Most every line for Rutgers so far has moved towards the opposing team. It's been free money for a lot of people so far at least.

Andrea Adelson

(4:14 PM)

So that means people are still not buying RU.

Jake (Syracuse)

Andrea, do you think the Cuse can beat WVU friday night?

Andrea Adelson

(4:15 PM)

Any team can beat anybody in the BE. If Syracuse executes a similar game plan to last season, then sure. But nobody has been able to get to Geno Smith or slow down the offense this year, and the Syracuse D this year is not as good as the one that beat 'em last year.

Mike J (Cincinnati, OH)

@Doug - Rutgers has had a pretty weak schedule so far and Lousville is the best defense they'll face all year. Plus the Rutgers teams in the past haven't really been road warriors. I'm a UC fan but I'd give that game to UofL

Andrea Adelson

(4:17 PM)

I would not be surprised if Louisville won, but boy that offense is going to have a tough time scoring.

Nick G (Hartford CT)

Andrea Adelson

(4:18 PM)

I have, and I thought he was being honest and forthright and 100 percent on point. I am sure all Big East fans were thrilled. For those who missed them, he said ND is the reason why there is Big East instability because it refuses to join for football. http://blog.ctnews.com/elliott/2011/10/20/geno-not-happy-notre-dame-is-not-playing-football-in-big-east/

Scott (New Jersey)

Assuming Rutgers and WV win tomorrow night. How big is next Saturday's match up between those two teams?

Andrea Adelson

(4:19 PM)

Huge. Rutgers could even be ranked depending on what happens this weekend.

Mike J (Cincinnati, OH)

What is with the lack of haste in expansion? It seems like other conferences get tons of press when they're considering expansion but its hard to find much on a daily basis about the BE. I've started (well thats an understatement) to question Marinatto's competence in managing a football conference. After all isn't he a Providence basketball guy?

Andrea Adelson

(4:20 PM)

You are not the only one who has questioned him or why this is taking so long. I tried to ask in a nice way on the call last week tha if the plan was to get to 12, why did they not get there LAST YEAR after announcing TCU? Had they done that, I am not sure Pitt/Syr leave.

Pete D (Chicago, IL)

Is Louisville a trap game for Rutgers? With West Virginia right around the corner in Piscataway.... You've got to imagine, despite all the coach-speak about every game being important -- that some of those Scarlet Knights are looking right past Louisville.

Andrea Adelson

(4:21 PM)

Certainly has the potential, especially since Louisville does have quite a solid D and could really get after Gary Nova. I don't think it's a slam dunk Rutgers wins.

Willow (Southside)

If Syracuse and Pitt are doing what they think is right for them, you can not fault ND for doing the same.

Andrea Adelson

(4:21 PM)

But what benefit does the Big East get out of them being a part of the conference without football?

etadych (lincroft, nj)

One thing that I haven't seen covered in reports anywhere is the conflict at Rutgers between academics and atheletics, as it relates to expansion. Spending on Rutgers athletics programs and athletics facilities are being very closely and publicly scrutinized. With a $5-10mm buyout being in effect, I would not be surprised if Rutgers faces some serious infighting if/when the ACC or Big Ten decide to bite. It *is* theoretically the school that pays the buyout, as opposed to the incumbent conference, correct?

Andrea Adelson

(4:22 PM)

Theoretically, but I imagine the new conference would be able to provide some relief. I think Rutgers would find a way to pony up the money to get into a much more stable conference.

NYCowboy (The loud House)

Given that everyone thinks that WV will put up a large number on the Cuse and that HCDM is 3-0 when he has extra time to prepare. Do you think the SU O can keep up tomorrow night? I know your prediction says no, but I think people are focusing to much on Geno Vs. a young secondary.

Andrea Adelson

(4:24 PM)

WVU actually has an underrated defense -- also ranked in the Top 20 in the nation. It might be hard for Nassib to keep up ... West Virginia has had some terrific play out of its secondary this year, specifically out of Terence Garvin. Syracuse is going to have to try to get the run going and emphasize ball control because I don't know that Syracuse has the offense to win a shootout against West Virginia. One thing to do it against Tulane.

Terry (the 'Burgh)

Interesting article this week about BE's intentions to ask its members to grant future TV rights. Helps explain the short-notice exit by Pitt &#x26; 'Cuse. My question is why would any school in any conference ever agree to such a plan?

Andrea Adelson

(4:25 PM)

Well if you look at the conferences that have done that, they are the most stable around. There is a reason the Big 12 just agreed to do it for 6 years.

LeRoy (Maine)

Hi Andrea. Can you tell me what in the H ? E ? double hockey sticks Todd Graham was thinking on Saturday? Trying to go dual QB, and not putting the ball in the hands of their best player (Ray Graham) to carry the load? Props to Utah, they looked very good on D, but coach G deserves some serious heat for that loss.

Andrea Adelson

(4:27 PM)

I have wondered that since Saturday, LeRoy. You and everybody else who watched that game. Ray Graham went into the game as one of the nation's leaders in CARRIES. I remember writing 2 weeks ago about whether he was being used too much. And then he goes and gets 12 carries. I don't think anybody was pleased with the way Todd Graham managed that game. Especially since they led 14-3 at halftime! He was questioned after the Iowa game about not trying to run ball control with Graham in the 2H when they blew that big lead. Those were valid questions as well. I hope he isn't stubbornly sticking to the "system" when he has Ray Graham on his side.

Mike (New Jersey)

For years the Big East Football has gotten little respect on the national stage. Some of it as you said stems from the lack of a true front runner in a league where it seems like any team can beat any team on any given Thursday Friday or Saturday. Other then a spring board to a bigger conference what does the BE offer to a smaller school joining especially if the AQ is leaves with Pitt and Cuse?

Andrea Adelson

(4:28 PM)

Money. The BE will be in line to get much more than whatever they make in their current conference. Plus, even a BE w/o Pitt and Syr would be more regarded nationally than the MWC or CUSA.

Bearcat (Cincinnati)

Can you put some confidence points on your USF pick this weekend? Given the recent history of the teams in Tampa and how each team has played so far this year, I just can't see how USF can be favored to win this game.

Andrea Adelson

(4:29 PM)

I actually was going to make this my upset pick until I saw USF was favored. On a scale of 1-10, my confidence is around 4. I think that game and RU-UL could go either way.

Vinnie (ATL)

Do you like the 16 team playoff proposal by the MWC?

Andrea Adelson

(4:29 PM)

I like the idea of a playoff, but I think 16 teams is too many. Do the Sun Belt or MAC or WAC really need a guaranteed spot?

andrew (california)

What is the rush? What is the rush? What is the rush? What is the rush? You sound just like the big-east leadership for the past 10 years. They keeping on failing to act on time and getting punched in the mouth.

Andrea Adelson

(4:30 PM)

I think you misunderstood. The BE needs to be in a rush. But prospective members do not. Why would they rush into something when they don't know exactly what they are getting? The pressure is on the BE. Not them.

wvumitch (TN)

as much as it pains me to say it... I cannot hold ND responsible for the big East's predicament... while it's true if they had just joined years ago we wouldn't be here, the Big East is allowed them to continue using us for B-ball and non-revenue sports... The Big East is at fault for the big East's situation... That said... If WVU wins out, wouldn't we be in the top 10??? and if so, wouldn't that (and a BCS bowl win) go a long LONG way to helping the Big East's BCS respectability??

Andrea Adelson

(4:32 PM)

Certainly the BE is culpable for allowing the arrangement. ... I think WVU winning out, including the BCS would be good for the BE. But it has to be sustained. And is WVU even staying in the Big East?

Keith (Raleigh)

I saw your article about Big East expansion and the proposed conference championship game. If they add a championship and don't make it a home game for the team with the best record it will be the crowning achievement of Marinara's inept leadership. A neutral site game will be a disaster.

Andrea Adelson

(4:33 PM)

Agree completely. I am going to do a post tomorrow with reader reaction on this. Your comment seems to be the overriding opinion.

John (Idaho)

It has been reported that Boise States butout from the MW could be 21 million. Do you think the BE is accepting the fact that it will no longer be a viable football conference by only raising the buyout to 10 million.

Andrea Adelson

(4:36 PM)

I have to check the buyout on the MWC .. On the exit fee, if the member schools really truly were committed they would have raised it to $20 million the way the ACC did. Louisville AD Tom Jurich already said the $10 mill wouldn't stop him. I don't think it would stop anybody.

Ryan (Charlotte, NC)

Andrea, the PITT UTAH score was 14-13 at halftime.

Andrea Adelson

(4:36 PM)

You are right. I forgot my 1. Thanks, Ryan.

Mike (NJ)

Do you the BE should kick ND out of the conference in Basketball because of the football situation. That would really change the landscape of things.

Andrea Adelson

(4:37 PM)

I think the BE is too scared to do that because it is desperate to have any affiliation with ND.

cj (maryland)

Has the #OccupyHeinzField hype reached your ears yet? Apparently WVU fans are planning to show up in huge numbers to the PITT-UCONN game next week...and its getting national attention. It was just mentioned on Sirius Radio.

Andrea Adelson

(4:38 PM)

You WVU fans are going to spend your hard-earned money to go to a Pitt game to cheer for UCONN? That is commitment!

Chris (Hartford)

Be great to see someone occupy Heinz Field for a college game at least.

Andrea Adelson

(4:39 PM)

Zing!

Andy (Elk Grove, CA)

If Geno goes over 4k this year in yards, does he (stupid move) skip his Senior year and go pro?

Andrea Adelson

(4:39 PM)

I don't see it. Haven't seen any buzz about him from Kiper/McShay. Just because you throw for 4000 yards in college does not mean you are ready for the NFL.

Ryan (Idaho)

Does the Big East's football future hinge on Boise State?

Andrea Adelson

(4:40 PM)

I still think it hinges on whether more schools leave the conference.

Zach (WV)

How do you see it all playing out? Will the schools join? Will the current schools stay? Whats your opinion?

Andrea Adelson

(4:40 PM)

I think Mizzou goes to the SEC. Big 12 takes either UL/WVU. BE gets the schools it is targeting, but I have no idea whether it is enough to keep AQ, especially if it is WVU that leaves.

Steve (San Francisco)

A lot of people keep mentioning that UL's defense is the best RU will face. What about UNC? Does anyone believe the Cards have a better D than UNC? If so, they are nuts. And RU has not had a weaker than avg BE schedule - I don't know why that UC fan said so.

Andrea Adelson

(4:42 PM)

As I pointed out in the power rankings, RU has beaten more teams with winning records than UC. UNC defense is better, but UL is pretty good, too. Just have to stop giving up the big play.

COLIN (GREENSBURG PA)

I think WVU to the Big 12 is a better move than going to the SEC would have been. It will be much easier for them to make a big slash in the Big 12 than the SEC. I think they could challenge right away esp in basketball

Andrea Adelson

(4:43 PM)

Basketball is a given. And obviously DH's familiarity with the Big 12 would help. But nobody knows what is going to happen.

Jason (tampa)

Geno said on twitter the other day he would be back next year

Andrea Adelson

(4:43 PM)

There you have it. No surprise there.

Jason (tampa)

It isn't really hard earned money when you can get a ticket for less than $5 bucks. You can just clean out the couch.

Andrea Adelson

(4:44 PM)

Zing! You guys are good today.

Craig (Dallas)

WVU fans are committed....or we need to be committed. A buddy of mine traveled to two Michigan games the year after Rich left to boo them...

Andrea Adelson

(4:44 PM)

That is hard core.

Terry (the 'Burgh)

Let's say Pitt &#x26; 'Cuse stay until 2014. Will (now) 14 teams be fighting for berths in the current 5-6 bowls? Along with ND? Or can the BE get berths in more bowls (and if so, how soon)?

Andrea Adelson

(4:46 PM)

Current bowl affiliations are through 2013. So I think it all depends on how many tie-ins the BE wil get in the future. As for ND, all depends on how the BE works that out in the next bowl contract.

Jeff Webb (Charleston, WV)

Andrea, if Dana Holgorsen continues to produce results anywhere near what we have seen in the first have of the season, how long will he be at West Virginia before a bigger school snatches him up?

Andrea Adelson

(4:47 PM)

If WVU joins the Big 12, that would make a huge difference. But I really cannot say what he would do. I am not him.

Jason (Tampa)

I have read some stuff that if Mizzou goes to the SEC that the Big 12 will go after Lville or WVU for play in 2012....How could they be able to get out of the 27 month hold? Just doesn't make sense.

Andrea Adelson

(4:48 PM)

If Marinatto is that adamant about it with Pitt/Syr I am sure he would be with Louisville/WVU.

Chris (VA)

What are your thoughts on Rutgers offensive production being misjudged due to all of the dropped passes? Let face it, if a few of those "other" stud receivers make those big catches the offensive stats would show it.

Andrea Adelson

(4:49 PM)

But they did not make the plays, Chris. It is hard to judge an offense on woulda, shoulda, coulda. If they were "stud" receivers, they would make the catches.

Rob (Orlando,Fl)

Andrea what is your thoughts with WVU and end season rankings. Do you see them passing Oregon (which they should be ranked higher as to the perfomance against LSU...boo on the BCS system) and is it looking like a Clemson VS WVU Orange Bowl Showdown?

Andrea Adelson

(4:50 PM)

Do you mean if they win out? I doubt it because Oregon would have beaten Stanford, a Top 10 team. WVU would have no win that big on its resume. I think WVU-Clemson would be a really fun game to watch, don't you?

Chris (Hartford)

Saw earlier that John Swofford said yesterday if the Irish want into the ACC it's all or nothing. Pretty much closes that door then, right?

Andrea Adelson

(4:52 PM)

I am sure that is what all the other conferences would say as well. Would that be enough for ND to join up if the Big East kicked 'em out? I just don't think the BE is going to do that. ND calls the shots. I mean Father Jenkins has headed the expansion committee!

Scott (Orlando)

If I read correctly earlier this week, the increase in buyout is contigent on the 4 "Western" schools joining (or 2 depending on source read), so wouldn't it be in the Big East's best interest to get those invitations finalized? Not that the $10M would make a difference of WVU or Louisville leaving, but wouldn't it be in the best interest of the Big East to get those teams in before Mizzou's decision to ensure the extra $5M per team that leaves? To me, it would definately help Boise pay their out fee to have an extra $5 or $10M depending on how many teams leave.

Andrea Adelson

(4:54 PM)

It is contingent on just ONE joining. But as I said earlier, how will the BE convince this one member to take a leap of faith and join an uncertain conference? If you were AFA or Navy, would you make the leap? I don't think Navy is going to unless it knows exactly what it is getting. The AD there has been forthright about that.

Mark (Louisville Ky)

How bad do you think all this conference stuff is hurting all the Big East teams.

Andrea Adelson

(4:55 PM)

Do you mean from a perception standpoint? I don't think it has an impact on the field at all. Recruiting wise, there have been some questions the coaches have had to answer but I don't know that schools have had a rash of de-commits because the future is uncertain.

Rob (Orlando,Fl)

Taj VS Geno it definitely has a money branding image! My Otwon friend ). As for Oregon I was throwing out the BCS and trying to look at the core of the teams besides James I feel Oregon does not have the weapons WVU has on offense and def... I think WVU may be way better than many have thought or currently think as opposed to my beloved ever drowing Gators....

Andrea Adelson

(4:56 PM)

Let's remember they did lose by 20-plus to LSU, although I guess that is better than the Gators.

Shaun (NJ)

If any other school leaves the conference, say Louisville and WVU both do for the Big12, how could Marinatto make them stay for the extended period? That would leave the conference with 4 teams and probably no one willing to join the BE. Do you think he is that spiteful? And do you think he should have been fired already?

Andrea Adelson

(4:57 PM)

I don't think it's spite. He would have to keep everybody onboard for scheduling, and to maintain status as an FBS conference until replacements can be found. I really don't know whether the B12 goes to 10 or 12. That is a big factor, too.

Darrin (Burlington, KY)

Are you serious? You think WVU would have a better shot to challenge in basketball in the Big 12 than the SEC????? There is NO WAY the SEC is better in basketball than the Big 12! None! Zero!

Andrea Adelson

(4:58 PM)

The SEC is not an option, Darrin.

Brian (Maumee)

I think a VT/WVU Orange Bowl would almost be as an interesting watch than whoever ends up in the BCS championship. Cops, in full riot gear, would be getting a lot of overtime/hazard pay!

Andrea Adelson

(4:59 PM)

This would be the renewal of a heated rivalry. I wonder which team WVU would rather play ... There is the fact that VT always chokes in BCS games.

PigBete (Tampa)

The Taj V Geno would make for good hype as many from WVU remember Taj was a one time WVU commit before decommitting and than Geno comitted. At the time he wasnt as highly rated but I don't think many WVU fans would trade him for Taj.

Smith (USA)

I feel the BE needs to show commitment in a more drastic fashion. Release Marinatto (BE needs to show there serious) pray for WVU to stay(if they leave this conference is over) Obtain Boise State (Very similar system to WVU wil cause for a nice revenue spike in viewing and possibly a nice rivalry) obtain another big name school and then filter the rest with common names ...EX: SMU, UCF, AF and so on. The common names alone do not add value to the BE in any shape or form ...from a fan perspective I feel of course.